Disappointment, bitterness in Italians for elimination
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It's a hot, sad summer day. Bars are crowded with moaning, disappointed and angry fans: on Thursday Italy's squad "miserably" lost 2-3 to Slovakia and is definitely out of the South Africa World Cup.
Italians can hardly accept this "forced exit" , a tough reality that stirs deep resentment.
"We could have done much better. It's quite humiliating to lose in such a way considering we were the outgoing World Champions, but I suppose we pretty much deserved it. We never pulled out the best of ourselves," 22- year-old Fabrizio told Xinhua.
Italy's performance since the beginning of the world cup was never outstanding, despite the team had a reputation to keep up and desperately failed in defending its world title. The match against Slovakia was the final, definite knock-out.
"The problem is that most of the players are too old, they were world champions four years ago and age in football is crucial. Unfortunately, this time coach Marcello Lippi made the wrong decision by leaving many young, emerging stars at home that could have boosted the team's performance," stressed bar keeper Matteo.
People sitting in front of the cafes' maxi screens and televisions shake their heads, saying Italy should feel ashamed. Some complain that the second goal scored by player Guagliarella was "unfairly" cancelled by the referee, but the general response is that the squad was helpless.
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